GB2483519A

GB2483519A - A wooden frame assembly for holding a glass panel or sub frame

Info

Publication number: GB2483519A
Application number: GB1015247.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Fitzgerald
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-09-13
Filing date: 2010-09-13
Publication date: 2012-03-14
Anticipated expiration: 2030-09-13
Also published as: GB2483519B; GB201015247D0

Abstract

A wooden assembly for holding a glass panel comprising a wooden upright post 102 comprising a facade coupling portion and a glass coupling portion and a wooden faÃ§ade 100 comprising an upright-post coupling portion and a glass coupling portion. The upright-post coupling portion and the facade coupling portion abut against each other to couple the facade to the post and cause the glass coupling portions to form a glass receiving groove, the groove receiving a portion of a glass panel 138. Also claimed is an assembly where the groove is configured to receive a portion of a sub-frame of a door or an openable window. The post may be T shaped and the faÃ§ade U shaped. Alternatively the faÃ§ade may be L shaped and the post may have a square cross section with an L shape recess in one corner (Figs 9-11). A rod or protrusion 124 may connect the post assembly to a cill 104, the cill also having a groove 106, alternatively a brace may be used. The assembly may be used for windows or doors in a conservatory.

Description

A Woodn Frarae Asserhbly for HoldingQlass Panel ora Sub-Frame

Technical field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a wooden frame assembly for holding a glass panel, such as, the glazing of a conservatory. The present invention also relates to a wooden frame assembly for holding a sub-frame for a door or an openable window.

Background to the Invention

Conservatories are glass buildings usually comprising walls, doors, windows and roofs made of glass panels. Frequently, conservatories are attached on at least one side to a wall of a brick or wooden building, such as a house. It is known to connect together the glass panels of a conservatory using a framework, such as, for example, a wooden, metal or plastic framework. The framework can provide a structutal component of the conservatory and can additionally seal the spaces between adjacent glass panels to make the conservatory water tight. The framework typically comprises a plurality of wooden sections, such as, for example, upright posts which frame the sides of a glass panel, cills which frame the bottom of the glass panel, and beams or heads which frame the top of the glass panel.

Glass panels can be either directly' or indirectly' glazed into a wooden framework. Direct glazing is where the glass is fixd directly to the wooden posts of a frame structure. Figure 1 shows an exemplary direct glazing arrangement. Specifically, two glass panels 2 and 4 are located side-by-side in co-planar formation and their adjacent edge portions are sandwiched in-between an interior upright-post 6 and an exterior upright post 8. The upright-post 6 does not contact the upright-post 8. A screw or bolt 10 penetrates both upright-posts 6 and 8 so that the glass panels 2 and 4 are directly glazed to the frame.

Conversely, indirect glazing is where the glass is received into an intermediate window frame element which lies in-between the wooden posts of the frame and the glass panel. Figure 2 shows an exemplary indirect glazing arrangement. Specifically, the two glass panels 2 and 4 are connected to two intermediate L-shaped window frame elements 14 and 16, respectively.

The glass panel 2 is secured to L-shaped window frame element 14 by beading 18. The glass panel 4 is secured to L-shaped element 16 by beading 20. The L-shaped elements 14 and 16 are both connected to a respective side of an upright post 22.

Direct glazing solutions can be referablé to indirect glazing solutions since they tend to have a simpler and less fussy appearance. Specifically, the glass panels are directly fixed to the frame posts of the structure thereby eliminating the need for any intermediate elements in-between the glass panels and the frame posts. However, the known direct glazing solution utilises a large mechanical fixing to sandwich the glass panels between the upright-posts of the frame. The location of this fixing degrades the aesthetics of the framework. Furthermore, in use the fixing can often be in direct sunlight which causes it to heat up and distort or warp the wooden upright-posts. This can further degrade the aesthetics of the framework. Also, this can degrade the wood-glass connection which can render the glass house no longer water-tight.

Summay of the Invention * It is an aim of the invention to solve the above-mentioned deficiencies in ihe prior art by providing a direct-glazing wooden frame assembly which has improved aesthetics and a I' provides a more durable wood-glass connection. It is also an aim of the invention to provide a wooden frame assembly which is capable of providing a sub-frame for a door or an openable window.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a wooden assembly for holding a glass panel, the assembly comprising: a wooden upright-post comprising a facade coupling portion and a glass coupling portion; and, a wooden facade comprising an upright-post coupling portion and a glass coupling portion, the upright-post coupling portion and the facade coupling portion being arranged in use to abut against each other to couple the facade to the upright-post and cause the respective glass coupling portions to form a glass receiving groove extending along a portion of the length of the upright-post and the facade, the glass receiving groove being configured to receive a portion of said glass panel to hold said glass panel.

Preferably, the upright-post or the facade further comprises at least one recess for a fixing, in use the at least one recess providing an entry point for said fixing such that said fixing can penetrate both the upright-post and the facade to secure them together.

Preferably, the at least one recess extends along a portion of the length of the upright-post or the facade, in use the at least one recess providing an entry point for a plurality of fixings so that each fixing can penetrate both the upright-post and the facade to secure them together.

Preferably, the at least one recess is located on a side portion of the upright-post or the facade so that the at least one recess is hidden from view when the upright-post or the facade is viewed straight-on.

Preferably, the assembly further comprises a cover for the at least one recess to hide the or each fixing.

Preferably, a portion of the at least one recess is further arranged in use to receive and connect to a brace.

Preferably, the assembly further comprises a fixing, in use the fixing penetrating a side portion of a first one of the upright-post or the facade and into the second one of the upright-post or the facade in order to secure the upright-post and the facade together, and in order to hide the fixing from view when the first one of the upright-post or the facade are viewed straight-on. Preferably still, the fixing penetrates the upright-post or the facade at an angle which creates a squeezing force on the glass panel by the facade and the upright-post. In particular, the fixing penetrates the upright-post or the facade at an angle of between 5° and 85° to the glass panel, preferably between 15° and 75°, more preferably between 25° and 65°, still more preferably between 35° and 55°, and even still more preferably about 45°.

Preferably, at least one glass coupling portion comprises a gasket connecting portion.

Preferably, the at least one gasket connecting portion comprises a longitudinal slit extending along a portion of a sidewall of the glass receiving groove, the slit being configured in use to receive a gasket.

Preferably, the upright-post coupling portion and the facade coupling portion have cooperating structures such that in use one is received into the other.

Preferably, the facade has a substantially U-shape cross-section, the upright-post coupling portion being provided by the cavity of the U-shape, the glass coupling portion being provided by the distal end portions of the arms of the U-shape; and, wherein the upright-post has a substantially T-shape cross-section, the facade coupling portion being provided by the distal end portion of the stem of the T-shape, the glass coupling prtion being provided by the distal end portions of the crossbar of the 1-shape, in use, a portion of the stem of the 1-shape being received into the cavity of the U-shape to connect the facade to the upright-post and form two glass receiving grooves, each glass receiving groove being in-between the end of a different arm of the U-shape and the directly opposing distal end portion of the crossbar of the T-shape.

Preferably, the facade has a substantially L-shape cross-section, the upright-post coupling portion being provided by the inside corner of the L-shape, the glass coupling portion being provided by the distal end portions of the L-shape; and, wherein the upright post has a square shaped cross section having a substantially L-shape recess cut out of one corner, the facade coupling portion being provided by the inside corner of the L-shape recess, the glass coupling portion being provided by the end portions of the L-shape recess, in use, the inside corner of the L-shape recess of the upright-post being received into the inside corner of the L-shape facade to connect the facade to the upright-post and form two glass receiving grooves, each glass receiving groove being in-between a different distal end of the L-shape facade and the opposing end of the L-shape recess of the upright-post.

Preferably, the upright-post further comprises a protrusion extending longitudinally from an end portion, and the assembly further comprises a cill having an aperture and a glass receiving groove; and, in use the aperture being configured to receive the protrusion to couple together the cill orthogonally with the upright-post connected to the facade, and the glass receiving groove of the ciii being configured to align with the glass receiving groove formed by the upright-post connected to the facade so that the glass receiving groove of the cill receives a second portion of said glass panel so that the cill frames the glass panel.

Preferably, an open bore is formed in the protrusion and the assembly further includes a fixing plate comprising a plate having a rod extending orthogonally from a central portion, the fixing plate being configured in use to extend through the aperture of the ciii and through the opening of the bore so that the plate abuts the cill around the outside of the aperture.

Preferably, the bore terminates in an access cavity at a side portion of the upright-post, in use the access cavity providing access to the distal end of the rod for screwing a nut onto the rod to clamp the ciii to the upright post.

Preferably, a portion of an outer surface of the ciii around the outside of the aperture comprises a depression for receiving the plate to prevent the plate protruding from the ciii.

Preferably, the assembly further comprises an L-shape brace configured in use to be fixed in the glass receiving groove of the ciii and a glass receiving groove formed by the facade connected to the upright-post, and sandwiched between the glass panel in order to secure the ciii to the upright-post.

Preferably, the upright post is a load-bearing post of wood framed structure or building.

Preferably, the assembly is a direct glazing assembly.

Preferably, at least one of the upright-post, the facade and the ciii are manufactured from seasoned-oak wood.

Preferably, at least one glass receiving groove is additionally configured to receive a portion of a sub-frame for a door or an openable window, to hold said sub-frame, Preferably, the assembly further comprises a sub-frame for a door or an openable window, the sub-frame having a coupling portion configured in use to be received into the at least one glass receiving groove.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a wooden assembly for holding a sub-frame for a door or an openable window, the assembly comprising: a wooden upright-post comprising a facade coupling portion and a sub-frame coupling portion; and, a wooden facade comprising an upright-post coupling portion and a sub-frame coupling portion, the upright-post coupling portion and the facade coupling portion being arranged in use to abut against each other to couple the facade to the upright-post and cause the respective sub-frame coupling portions to form a sub-frame receiving groove extending along a portion of the length of the upright-post and the facade, the sub-frame receiving groove being configured to receive a portion of said sub-frame to hold said glass sub-frame.

The additional features of the first aspect mentioned above are additionally applicable to the second aspect. However, references to glass panel' should be read as sub-frame'; references to glass coupling portion' should be read as sub-frame coupling portion'; references to glass receiving groove' should be read as sub-frame receiving groove'.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a wooden frame glass building comprising an assembly according to the first aspect or the second aspect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Various example embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals relate to like components, and wherein:-Figure 1 illustrates a known direct-glazing wooden frame assembly; Figure 2 illustrates a known indirect-glazing wooden frame assembly; Figure 3 illustrate a typical environment within which example embodiments of the present invention are intended to operate; Figure 4 is an isometric view of a wooden frame assembly according to a first example embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is an exploded view of the first example embodiment; Figure 6 is a top view of the first example embodiment; Figure 7 is an exploded view of a wooden frame assembly according to an alternative example embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is an isometric view of a fixing plate according to the alternative embodiment; Figure 9 is an isometric view of a wooden frame assembly according to a second example embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is an exploded view of the second example embodiment; Figure 11 is a top view of the second example embodiment; Figure 12(a) is an isometric view, and Figure 12(b) is a front view, of a wooden frame assembly according to a third example embodiment of the present invention; and, Figures 13 and 14 are cross-section views of a fourth example embodiment of the present intention.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention Figure 3 shows a typical environment within which example embodiments of the present invention are intended to operate. Specifically, Figure 3 shows a conservatory 50 adjoining a stone or brick building 52. The conservatory 50 óomprises a plurality of upright posts 54, a plurality of corner-upright posts 56, a plurality of cills 58, a plurality of cross-beams 60, and a plurality of braces 62. The conservatory 50 also comprises doors 64. The conservatory 50 provides an exemplary wooden framed glass structure within the context of the present invention.

The following describes a wooden frame assembly according to a first example embodiment of the present invention with reference to Figures 4 to 6. The first example embodiment relates to upright posts and cills.

Figures 4 to 6 show a first upright post 100 having a substantially U-shaped cross-section, a second upright post 102 having a substantially T-shaped cross-section, and a cill 104 having a generally rectangular shaped cross-section with a groove 106 positioned substantially centrally along its top (according to the orientation of Figures 4 and 5) length. It is to be understood that the U-shaped post 100 provides a facade according to the present example embodiment. Also the 1-shaped post 102 provides a load bearing post according to the present example embodiment. In the present example embodiment, the 1-shaped post 102 is positioned on an external side of the conservatory 50, whereas the U-shaped post 100 is positioned on an internal side of the conservatory 50.

The U-shaped post 100 comprises grooves 108 and 110 positioned along the length of the U-shaped post 100, each groove being positioned on a different arm of the U-shape (i.e. the vertical lines when looking at the letter U') and on an outer surface thereof. At the end of each arm of the U-shape is positioned a slit 112, 114. In the present example embodiment, the slits 112 and 114 provide gasket connecting portions of the U-shaped post 100. Accordingly, a gasket 116 is shown received into slit 114. It i to be understood that in use, although not shown, a gasket would also be received into slit 112.

The T-shaped post 102 comprises slits 118 and 120 positioned on a surface of the crossbar portion of the T-shape (i.e. the horizontal line when looking at the letter T') which overhangs the stem portion of the T-shape (i.e. the vertical line when looking at the letter T'). In particular, the slits 118 and 120 are positioned on the overhanging surface which is adjacent to the side of the stem portion. In the present example embodiment, the slits 118 and provide gasket connecting portions of the T-shaped post 102. Accordingly, a gasket 122 is shown received into slit 120. It is to be understood that in use, although not shown, a gasket would also be received into slit 118. As seen more particularly on Figure 5, a protrusion 124 extends longitudinally from an end of the T-shaped post 102 which is adjacent to the cill 104.

As mentioned above, the cill 104 comprises a centrally located groove 106 in a top surface along its length. One side of the groove 106 is higher than the other side. Towards the top of that highest side is located a slit 126 which extends along the length of the groove 106 and the cill 104. In the present example embodiment, the slit 126 provides a gasket connecting portion of the cill 106. Accordingly, a gasket 128 is shown received into slit 126. As seen more particularly on Figure 5, the ciii 104 also comprises an aperture 130 positioned in the bottom surface of the groove 106 (according to the orientation of Figure 5). The aperture 130 is sized and shaped to receive the protrusion 124 of the T-shaped post 102. The ciii 104 further comprises a beading 132 which is substantially rectangular. The beading 132 is configured to be positioned along the lower side of the groove 106 50 that the combined height of the smaller groove side and the beading 132 substantially equals the height of the larger groove side. Accordingly, the beading 132 cooperates with the ciii to make the sides of the groove 106 substantially the same height. As before, the beading 132 comprises a slit 134 for receiving a gasket 136 in order to correspond with the cill 104.

In operation, the substantially T-shaped cross-section of post 102 and the substantially U-shaped cross-section of post 104 are sized and shaped to cooperate with each other, Specifically, a lower portion ol the stem of the T-shape is sized and shaped to be received into the cavity of the U-shape (i.e. the space in-between the curved bottom line and the two vertical lines when looking at the letter U'). Accordingly, within the present example embodiment the lower portion of the stem of the T-shape post comprises a facade coupling portion and the cavity of the U-shape post comprises an upright post coupling portion.

Only a portion of the stem of the T-shape is received into the cavity of the U-shape because in this embodiment the arms of the U-shape are shorter than the stem of the T-shape. The result of this configuration is that a gap is present between the distal end of each arm of the U-shape and the crossbar of the T-shape. These gaps provide two grooves on either side of the assembly of the posts 100 and 102. Both grooves have a respective slit pair (112, 118 and 114, 120) which is positioned along the length of the groove in a corresponding fashion to the ciii described above. Since each slit 112, 114, 11$ and 120 is configured in use to receive a gasket, both grooves are configured in use to comprise a gasket pair, for example, the groove comprising slit pair 114, 120 contains corresponding gasket pair 116, 122. The purpose of the grooves between the U-shaped post 100 and the T-shaped post 102 is to receive a portion of a glass panel 138, such as an edge portion, in order to frame that portion of the glass panel 138, i.e. they are glass receiving grooves. Specifically, the glass panel 138 is fitted by arranging it against the end of one arm of the U-shaped post 100 so that the edge of the glass panel does not cover the opening of the cavity of the U-shape. The next step is to insert the stem of the T-shaped post 102 into the cavity of the U-shaped post 100 in order to sandwich the glass panel in-between the crossbar of the T-shape and the distal end of the arm of the U-shape.

Obviously, positioning the glass panel 138 against the T-shaped post first and then inserting the U-shape post around the stem of the T-shape would work equally well.

Due to the above described configuration the glass panel 138 is received in a groove between the post 100 and the post 102. Accordingly, the distal ends of the U-shape and the distal ends of the crossbar of the T-shape comprise glass coupling portions within the context of the present example embodiment, Additionally, the glass panel 138 is cushioned in position by gaskets located in slits of the glass receiving grooves. For example, in figures 4 to 6 the glass panel 138 is located in a groove having slit pair 114, 120 and gasket pair 116, 122.

As seen more particularly on Figure 6, in order to better hold the U-shaped post 100 and the T-shaped post 102 together mechanical fixings 140 and 142, such as, for example, screws, nails or the like, are driven into the grooves 108 and 110 on the outer sides of the U-shaped post 100. The fixings 140 and 142 are driven-in such that they penetrate both the U-shaped post 100 and the T-shaped post 102 thereby holding both posts.together. Once the fixings 140 and 142 are located in grooves 108 and 110, respectively, cover slips 144 and 146 are located within grooves 108 and 110, respectively, on-top of the fixings. The cover slips 144 and 146 function to improve the aesthetics of the framework by hiding the fixings 140 and 142. It is to be understood that although only two fixings 140 and 142 are shown in Figure 6, in some embodiments a plurality of fixings are provided throughout the length of each groove 108 and 110. It is to be understood that the fixings 140 and 142 are driven into the facade post 100 at an angle which creates a squeezing force on the glass panel 138 by the facade post 100 and the upright-post 102. In particular, the fixings 140 and 142 are driven into the facade post 100 at an angle of between 50 and 85° to the glass panel 138, preferably between 15° and 75°, more preferably between 25° and 65°, still more preferably between 35° and 55°, and even still more preferably about 45°.

According to the above-described configuration the upright posts 100 and 102 frame a portion of the glass panel 138. Further, the posts 100 and 102, and the glass panel 138 provide a direct-glazing construction. Next will be described the addition of the cill 104.

The cill 104 comprises an aperture 130, and the T-shaped upright post 102 comprises a cooperating protrusion 124. In operation, the above-described assembly comprising the U-shaped post 100 and the T-shaped post 102 is arranged substantially normally to the cill 104.

Next, the cill 104 is brought into contact with the assembly 100 and 102 such that the protrusion 124 is received into the aperture 130. In this configuration, a T-shape formation is formed, wherein the crossbar of the T-shape is provided by the cill 104 and the stem of the T-shape is provided by the assembly of posts 100 and 102. In this configuration, the groove 106 of the cill 104 is aligned with, and normal to, one of the grooves formed between the U-shaped post 100 and the T-shaped post 102. Accordingly, the cill 104 can be used to frame a second portion of the glass panel 138. The combination of the posts 100, 102 and 103 can therefore be used to frame a corner portion of the glass panel 138, as shown more particularly in Figures 4 and 5. Once the glass panel 138, which is connected to the post assembly 100, 102, is received into the groove 106 the beading 132 is located in position on the cill 104 so that the glass panel 138 is held by cill 104. Optionally, adhesive may be used to hold the beading in position. Further, in some example embodiments mechanical fixings, such as, screws, nails and the like are driven through the beading 132 and into the cill 104 in order to better secure the glass panel 138 to the cill 104. * * According to the above-described arrangement, a corner portion of a glass panel 138 is framed by the upright posts 100 and 102 and the ciii 104.

Advantages of the present example embodiment are that it provides a direct-glazing construction. Accordingly, the appearance of the design is improved over indirect-glazed solutions because it is simpler and less fussy. Additionally, the present example embodiment does not include the use of mechanical fixings which are visible when the upright post or the facade post are viewed straight-on. Accordingly, the aesthetics of the present example embodiment are improved over other direct glazing solutions. Furthermore, since the mechanical fixings are hidden behind a cover they are not in direct sunlight. Therefore, the fixings are shielded from heating up excessively during use, which is known to cause distortion of the wooden posts and degrade the wood-glass connection. The arrangement of the present example embodiment is therefore more durable than known direct-glazing solutions. Also, the U-shaped post can be arranged to be on an internal surface of the conservatory to further reduce any distortion which may be caused by direct sunlight.

A further advantage of the present example embodiment is that the cill 104 is arranged so that the beading 132 is positioned on the interior side of the cill 104. In some conventional frame assemblies beading is provided on exterior sides. Direct sunlight is known to dry out these beading sections such that they crack and distort with respect to adjacent larger elements, such as, the cill. Also, water can enter the cracks and freeze, causing further distortion.

Distortion of the beading can lead to failure of the wood-glass connection which degrades the aesthetics and the weather sealing capability of the frame assembly. In the present example embodiment, however, beading is only provided on the cill 104, i.e. beading is not provided on the T-shaped or U-shaped posts. Additionally, the cill beading is only provided on the interior side of the ciii. Therefore, in the present example embodiment, the beading is shielded from direct sunlight thereby avoiding distortion of the beading.

In addition to the above, the cover slips are also arranged on the U-shaped post which is arranged on an interior side of the conservatory. Therefore, the above mentioned advantages relating to the beading are also applicable to the cover slips. Specifically, because the cover slips are located on an interior side they are shielded from direct sunlight and, therefore, distortion of the cover slips with respect to the U-shaped post is avoided.

Modifications may be made to the above-described example embodiment to generate alternative example embodiments. Figure 7 illustrates an alternative example embodiment in which fixing plate 150 is provided to better improve the connection between the T-shaped post 102 and the ciii 104. Specifically, a bore (not shown) is provided in the protrusion 124.

The bore starts at the distal end of the protrusion 124 and extends towards the opposite end portion of the T-shaped post 102. The bore extends parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the T-shaped post 102. The bore terminates in an enlarged cavity 152 having an access point in a middle portion of the stem of the T-shape of post 102. The bore is sized and shaped to receive the fixing plate 150. As seen more particularly on Figure 8, the fixing plate 150 comprises a threaded rod 156 which extends normally from a' central portion of a plate 158.

Optionally, the plate comprises one or more screw holes 160.

In operation, the posts 100, 102 and 104 are connected together around the glass panel 138 as described above in respect of the previous example embodiment. However, before the U- shaped post 100 and the T-shaped post are connected together, the ciii is connected to the T-shaped post, via the protrusion 124 and the aperture 130. Then, the fixing plate 150 is inserted into the bore of the T-shaped post 102 so that the plate 158 abuts the bottom surface of the ciii 104 (as orientated in Figure 7). A nut 154 is then inserted into the cavity 152 and around the distal end of the threaded rod 156 in order to clamp the T-shaped post 102 and the ciii 104 together. The U-shaped post 100 and the beading 132 can then be applied to the assembly as described above. Optionally, screws may be inserted into screw holes 160 to better hold the fixing plate 150 against the ciii 104. Also optionally, the bottom surface of the ciii 104 may be profiled with a depression 156 sized and shaped to receive the plate 158 of the fixing plate 150 in order that the fixing plate does not protrude beyond the bottom surface of the ciii 104. If the cill is arranged to lie on the ground then this arrangement is advantageous because the fixing plate does not cause an uneven surface which may cause the framework to wobble or permit water ingress. A further advantage of this arrangement is that the depression 156 operates to prevent rotation of the plate 158 with respect to the ciii 104, when the nut 154 is tightened on the threaded rod 156.

An advantage of the alternative embodiment is that the connection between the ciii and the uprights post is stronger. Accordingly, the framework provides a more stable structure.

A further alternative embodiment is provided which also aims to provide an improved connection between the T-shaped post 102 and the cill 104, but does not use a fixing plate 150. According to this further alternative embodiment, an L-shaped support brace is provided. The L-shaped support brace is configured to fit within the L-shaped groove provided by the groove 106 and the glass receiving groove between the U-shaped post 100 and the T-shaped post 102. In operation, the L-shaped support brace is fixed to the T-shaped post 102 and the ciii 104 by appropriate fixings, such as, screws, nails or the like. Once the support brace is fixed in position, the glass panel can be received into the L-shaped groove to sandwich the support brace. Specifically, the support brace is sandwiched in-between the L-shaped edge of the glass panel and the L-shaped groove provided by the groove 106 and the glass receiving groove between the U-shaped post 100 and the T-shaped post 102. An advantage of this arrangement is that the ciii 104 is better secured against the U-shaped post 100 and the T-shaped post 102.

Next will be described a second example embodiment of the present invention. Whereas the first example embodiment related to a flat glass wall construction, the second example embodiment relates to a corner-upright post between two glass walls according to the first example embodiment. The second example embodiment will be described with reference to figures 9 to Ii. Where the features of the second example embodiment are the same as the first example embodiment the sime reference numerals have been used.

The second example embodiment comprises two upright posts 200 and 202, and a ciii 204.

The ciii 204 comprises the same features as the dli 104 described above. However, the cill 204 comprises a corner post rather than a straight post, i.e. the ciii 204 has a right angle bend in a middle portion. Additionally, the aperture 230 of the ciii 204 is square rather than oval.

That said, an oval arrangement would work equally as well in the second example embodiment.

The upright-post 200 has an L-shape cross section, whereas the upright post 202 has a square cross-section having an L-shape cut out portion or recess. It is to be understood that the post provides a facade in the present example embodiment. It is also to be understood that the post 202 provides a load-bearing post in the present example embodiment. In the present example embodiment the L-shaped post 200 is positioned on an interior surface of the conservatory 50, whereas the post 202 is positioned on an exterior surface of the conservatory 50.

The size and shape of the L-shape recess is substantially equal to the L-shape cross-section of the post 200. Accordingly, the post 202 is arranged to connect with the L-shape post 204 and form a post assembly having a substantially square shape cross-section. However, the lengths of both arms of the L-shape post 202 are shorter than the lengths of the arms of the L-shape recess of the post 200. Therefore, when the inside corner of the L-shaped recess of post 202 is received into the inside corner of the L-shape post 200 a gap is present at the distal end of each arm of the L-shape of the post 200. As before, these gaps create grooves for receiving a portion of glass panel 138, i.e. they are glass receiving grooves. Accordingly, the respective parts of posts 200 and 202 which create these grooves comprise glass coupling portions according to the present example embodiment. It is noted that in the first example embodiment the two glass receiving grooves were aligned, howver, in the second example embodiment the two glass receiving grooves are orthogonal with respect to each other. This difference results from the different shape cross-ections of posts 200 and 202, as compared to posts 100 and 102 As in the first example embodiment, each of the glass receiving grooves are provided with a slit which runs along the length of the groove on either side wall. The slits are configured to receive a gasket. Specifically, the L-shape post 200 comprises slits 212 and 214, whereas the post 202 comprises slits 218 and 220. Further, gaskets2l6 and 222 are shown received in slits 210 and 220, respectively. However, it is to be undersiood that in use corresponding gaskets would be positioned in slits 212 and 218.

As in the first example embodiment, the L-shape post 200 is provided with grooves 210 and 212 which extend along the length of the L-shape post 200. A different one of grooves 210 and 212 extends along a central portion of the outer surface of each arm of the L-shape. Also provided are cooperating cover slips 244 and 246 which function to hide mechanical fixings 240 and 242.

As in the first example embodiment, the upright post 202 comprises a protrusion 224 which is sized and shaped to be received within the aperture 230 of the cill 204. In the present example embodiment, the protrusion and aperture are substantially square shaped. In the first example embodiment the protrusion and aperture were substantially oval shaped. It is to be understood that in some other example embodiments the protrusion and aperture can be of other shapes so long as they cooperate together, i.e. the protrusion fits within the aperture.

In operation, the second example embodiment functions to provide a frame for two glass panels which are orthogonal to each other. Stated differently, the second example embodiment provides a corner framework which operates in a corresponding way to the wall framework of the first example embodiment. Therefore, the first and second example embodiments can be used together in order to construct adjoining walls each made of one or more glass panels within a wooden framework. Furthermore, the adjoining walls could be orthogonal with each other, as shown in Figures 9 to 11. Alternatively however, each adjoining wall could be angled by any amount with respect to adjacent walls. For example, one wall could be angled lOG out of line from an adjacent wall, alternatively it could be 20° out of line, or 30° out of line, or 40° out of line, or 50° out of line, or 60° out of line, or 70° out of line, or 80° out of line. It is to be understood that in each alternative scenario, the cross-sections of the posts 200 and 202 must be adjusted in order to enable these angles between adjacent walls.

It is to be understood that the two modifications described above in respect of the first example embodiment can also be applied to the second example embodiment. in particular, a fixing plate may be provided to better secure the cill 204 to the upright posts 200 and 202, and in particular, to the upright post 202. Alternatively, one or more L-shaped support braces may be used to secure the cill 204 to the upright posts 200 and 202, and in particular, to the upright post 202.

Furthermore, the advantages stated above with respect to the first example embodiment are also applicable to the second example embodiment.

Figure 12 shows a third example embodiment of the present invention. The third example embodiment relates to cross-beams and braces. Where elements of Figure 12 are the same as elements of previously described example embodiments the same reference numerals have been used.

Figure 12(a) shows an isometric view of a cross-beam 300 having a substantially T-shape cross-section. Figure 12(b) provides a corresponding front view. The cross-beam 300 is similar in function and appearance to the cill 204, however, the cross-beam provides a frame for the top edge of the glass panel 138 rather than the bottom edge of the glass panel 138. A further function of the cross-beam 300 is to create a join with upper frame sections or a roof.

The cross-beam comprises a central glass receiving groove 302 which is analogous to the central groove 106 of the cill 204. Specifically, the centrh.l glass receiving groove 302 has one small sidewall and one large sidewall. The large sidewall has a slit 306 towards its bottom edge (in the orientation of Figure 12(a)). In operation, the top edge of the glass panel 138 is received into glass receiving groove 302. Beading 308a and 308b is then connected to the cross-beam 300 in order to fix the glass panel 138 in position by increasing the height of the small sidewall of the glass receiving groove 302 to match the height of the large sidewall of the glass receiving groove 302. It is to be understood that in some other example embodiments beading 308a and 308b is combined into a single beading. As before, the beading 308a and 308b may be held in position by adhesive and/or by mechanical fixings, such as, for example, screws, nails or the like. Also as before, the beading 308a comprises a longitudinal slit 310 which, along with the slit 306, receives a gasket in order to cushion the glass panel 138 when it is connected to the cross-beam 300. The remaining features of the cross-beam 300 will be apparent to the skilled person when considering the above-described first and second example embodiments.

An additional element of the arrangement of Figure 12 is a brace 320. The brace 320 comprises an oblong post having an oblong cross-section. Each end of the brace 320 is provided with a connecting portion arranged in use to connect the brace 320 to either a cross-beam, a corner-post or an upright post. In the present example embodiment, the brace 320 is arranged at one end to connect to cross-beam 300 and at the other end to connect to L-shape upright-post 200. In particular, the slit 210 of post 200 is arranged to receive a distal end of brace 320. As mentioned previously, the slit 210 is additionally configured to receive a fixing 242 and a cover slip 246. Further, the beading 308a and 308b is configured to receive the other distal end of the brace 320 in a corresponding way to the slit 210. According to this arrangement, in use the brace 320 provides additional structural support to both the cross-beam 300 and the posts 200 and 202.

The advantages stated in respect of the first example embodiment are also applicable to the third example embodiment, It is a further advantage of the third example embodiment that the top portion of the glass panel 138 is framed by the cross-beam 300. Additionally, it is an advantage that the structural stability of the frame is improved by the brace 320, making the frame stronger. Furthermore, since beading is only provided on the interior sides the beading is shielded from direct sunlight thereby avoiding distortion of the beading and weakening of the wood-glass connection.

Figures 13 and 14 show a fourth example embodiment of the present invention. The fourth example embodiment relates to a sub-frame for a door or an openable window, rather than a glass panel. Where elements of Figures 13 and 14 are the same as elements of previously described example embodiments the same reference numerals have been used.

Figure 13 is analogous to Figure 6 described above, however, the glass panel 138 has been substituted with a sub-frame 400. The sub-frame 400 can be for a door (i.e. the sub-frame is a door frame), alternatively, the sub-frame 400 can be for an openable window, for example, a sash window. The sub-frame 400 has a portion 402 which has a corresponding size and shape to the glass panel 138, so that the sub-frame 400 can be received into the glass receiving grooves located between the U-shaped post 100 and the T-shaped post 102. The glass receiving grooves are, therefore, also sub-frame receiving grooves. On the sub-frame 400, a lip 404 is positioned on the opposite side to the portion 402. The lip 404 is configured to provide a stop for a door 406 vhich is fitted to the sub-frame 400. The lip 404 assists in holding the door 406 in a closed configuration with respect to the sub-frame 400. The door 406 is also provided with a corresponding lip 408 which is arranged to abut the exterior surface of the sub-frame 400 when the door 406 is in the closed configuration with respect to the sub-frame 400. Further, in operation, the lips 404 and 408 block the gap between the door 406 and the sub-frame 400 in order to seal the interior of the conservatory 50 from the outside, for example, to prevent wind or rain seeping into the conservatory around the periphery of the door. Optionally, lips 404 and 406 are each provided with a respective slit 410 and 412. Each slit 410 and 412 is configured to receive a seal to help seal the gap between the door 406 and the sub-frame 400. On the door 406, a glass receiving groove 414 is optionally positioned on the side opposite the lip 408. The glass receiving groove 414 is configured to receive a glass panel (not shown) so that the door 406 can be glazed. The glass receiving groove 414 comprises a beading 416 which in use secures the glass panel into the glass receiving groove in a anaidgous fashion to beading 132 of cill 104 described above. The beading 416 and the glass receiving groove 414 can also optionally each include a slit (418 and 420) for receiving a gasket (not shown).

The arrangement of Figure 13 describes how portions of a door frame 400 can be positioned along the sides of the door 406. As the skilled person would appreciate, in order for the door 406 to operate as a door, at least one hinge would need to be attached along a vertical edge of the door 406 and along a corresponding vertical edge of the sub-frame 400. Accordingly, the door can swing open and close via the hinge. Additionally, door furniture, such as, for example, a door handle and a door lock, can be fitted to the door and/or sub-frame 400, as will be appreciated by the skilled person.

Figure 14 shows the connection between the sub-frame 400 and the cross-beam 300 in an analogous way to how Figure 13 shows the connection between the sub-frame 400 and the 1-shaped post 102 and U-shaped post 100. The arrangement of Figure 14 can be easily understood by referring to Figures 1 2a, 1 2b, and 13 and their corresponding descriptions above. In summary, the portion.402 of sub-frame 400 is received within the glass receiving groove 302 of cross-beam 300 in order that the sub-frame 400 is fixed to the cross-beam 300.

Accordingly, the glass receiving groove 302 is also a sub-frame receiving groove.

The cross-beam 300 is designed to be arranged adjacent and along a substantially horizontal top edge portion of the door 406 and sub-frame 400. The skilled person would understand, from considering the arrangement of Figure 14 in combination with Figures 4 to 6 and the corresponding description thereof, how to arrange the cill 104 along a substantially horizonal bottom edge portion of the sub-frame 400 and the door 406. Accordingly, the door sub-frame 400 together with the door 406 can be fitted into the wooden frame assembly. Stated differently, each vertical side of the sub-frame 400 can be fitted to an upright post pair; the horizontal top of the sub-frame 400 can be fitted to a cross-beam 300; and, the horizontal bottom of the sub-frame 400 can be fitted to a cill 104. It is also to be understood that the sub-frame 400 can be connected in a corresponding way to the arrangements of Figures 7 to 11.

The embodiment of Figures 13 and 14 has been described with reference to a sub-frame for a door. It is to be understood that the sub-frame arrangement described above is equally suitable for operating with an openable window, such as a sash window. The skilled person would understand, without requiring inventive skill, what modifications are necessary in order that the embOdiment described above operates with an openable window. For example, rather than requiring at least one hinge, an openeable window may require a sash or a running groove in order to move between an open and closed configuration.

It is to be understood that each of the example embodiments of the present invention can be combined together in a conservatory building. It is an advantage of each above-described example embodiment of the present invention that glass panels or sub-frames are directly glazed to the wooden framework. Also, the outward appearance of the frame is simple and not fussy since mechanical fixings are hidden from view when the upright posts are viewed straight on. Specifically, the fixings are positioned on an interior side surface and are preferably covered by cover slips. Further, since the mechanical fixings are hidden from view, they are kept out of direct sunlight and therefore, they are not caused to heat-up excessively. Since excessive heating-up of the mechanical fixings is known to cause distortion of the wooden framework, the presently described example embodiments provide a more durable framework, and specifically, a more durable wood-glass or frame-sub-frame connection. Furthermore, since beading is only provided on the interior sides the beading is shielded from direct sunlight thereby avoiding distortion of the beading and weakening of the wood-glass or frame-sub-frame connection.

Various modifications and additions will be apparent to the skilled person when considering the above-described example embodiments of the present invention, any and all of which are intended to be covered by the scope of the appended claims. For example, in the above-described example embodiments the glass panels have straight edges. However, in some other example embodiments at least one glass panel has curved edges, i.e. the glass panel is substantially oval. In some other example embodiments more than one glass panel is substantially oval. Additionally, in some other example embodiments at least one glass panel has diagonal edges. Further, in some example embodiments corresponding alterations may be made to the sub-frame.

In the above-described example embodiments, the outer surfaces of the uprights posts are substantially straight. It is to be understood that in some other example embodiments, the outer surfaces are curved.

In the above-described example embodiments, the upright posts comprise cooperating T- shape and U-shape cross-sections or cooperating L-shape and square-shape (having an L-shape recess) cross-sections. It is to be understood that in some other example embodiments different cooperating cross-sections may be used, wherein one shape receives a portion of the other shape. It is also to be understood that in some other example embodiments, one cooperating shape is not received within the other shape, and instead, the two cooperating shapes simply contact or abut each other. In any case, the two shapes, when arranged together in use, form a glass receiving groove for receiving a portion of a glass panel to frame the glass panel.

In some of the above-described embodiments, the wooden frame assembly is arranged to frame glass panels. In some other of the above-described embodiments, the wooden frame assembly is arranged to frame glass panels and a sub-frame for a door or an openable window. It is to be understood that in some other embodiments, the wooden frame assembly described above, is arranged to frame only a sub-frame for a door or an openable window.

Stated differently, in some other embodiments, the wooden frame assembly according to the above-described embodiments connects directly to a sub-frame rather than directly to glass panels.

It is to be understood that the posts of the above-described embodiments comprise wood. In some embodiments, the posts comprise seasoned-oak. In some other embodiments the posts are made uniquely from seasoned-oak.

It is to be understood that in the above-described example embodiments, references to a glass panel' are intended to include both a single pane of glass, as well as, a sealed glazing unit. The term sealed glazing unit' in intended to include a sealed unit comprising one or more panes of glass superimposed on top of each other, for example, a double or triple glazed unit.

Claims

Claims 1. A wooden assembly for holding a glass panel, the assembly comprising: a. a wooden upright-post comprising a facade coupling portion and a glass coupling portion; and, b. a wooden facade comprising an upright-post coupling portion and a glass coupling portion, the upright-post coupling portion and the facade coupling portion being arranged in use to abut against each other to couple the facade to the upright-post and cause the respective glass coupling portions to form a glass receiving groove extending along a portion of the length of the upright-post and the facade, the glass receiving groove being configured to receive a portion of said glass panel to hold said glass panel.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the upright-post or the facade further comprises at least one recess for a fixing, in use the at least one recess providing an entry point for said fixing such that said fixing ban penetrate both the upright-post and the facade to secure them together.
3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one recess extends along a portion of the length of the upright-post or the facade, in use the at least one recess providing an entry point for a plurality of fixings so that each fixing can penetrate both the upright-post and the facade to secure them together.
4. The assembly of claim 2 or 3, wherein the at least one recess is located on a side portion of the upright-post or the facade so that the at least one recess is hidden from view when the upright-post or the facade is viewed straight-on.
5. The assembly of any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising a cover for the at least one recess to hide the or each fixing.
6. The assembly of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein a portion of the at least one recess is further arranged in use to receive and connect to a brace.
7. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a fixing, in use the fixing penetrating a side portion of a first one of the upright-post or the facade and into the second one of the upright-post or the facade in order to secure the upright-post and the facade together, and in order to hide the fixing from view when the first one of the upright-post or the facade are viewed straight-on.
8. The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein at least one glass coupling portion comprises a gasket connecting portion.
9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the at least one gasket connecting portion comprises a longitudinal slit extending along a portion of a sidewall of the glass receiving groove, the slit being configured in use to receive a gasket.
10. The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the upright-post coupling portion and the facade coupling portion have cooperating structures such that in use one is received into the other.
11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the facade has a substantially U-shape cross-section, the upright-post coupling portion being provided by the cavity of the U-shape, the glass coupling portion being provided by the distal end portions of the arms of the U-shape; and, wherein the upright-post has a substantially T-sbape cross-section, the facade coupling portion being provided by the distal end portion of the stem of the 1-shape, the glass coupling portion being provided by the distal end portions of the crossbar of the T-shape, in use, a portion of the stem of the 1-shape being received into the cavity of the U-shape to connect the facade to the upright-post and form two glass receiving grooves, each glass receiving groove being in-between the end of a different arm of the U-shape and the directly opposing distal end portion of the crossbar of the T-shape.
12. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the facade has a substantially L-shape cross-section, the upright-post coupling portion being provided by the inside corner of the L-shape, the glass coupling portion being provided by the distal end portions of the L-shape; and, wherein the upright post has a square shaped cross section having a substantially L-shape recess cut out of one corner, the facade coupling portion being provided by the inside corner of the L-shape recess, the glass coupling portion being provided by the end portions of the L-shape recess, in use, the inside corner of the L-shape recess of the upright-post being received into the inside corner of the L-shape facade to connect the facade to the upright-post and form two glass receiving grooves, each glass receiving groove being in-between a different distal end of the L-shape facade and the opposing end of the L-shape recess of the upright-post.
13. The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the upright-post further comprises a protrusion extending longitudinally from an end portion, and the assembly further comprises a cill having an aperture and a glass receiving groove; and, in use the aperture being configured to receive the protrusion to couple together the cill orthogonally with the upright-post connected to the facade, and the glass receiving groove of the ciii being configured to align with the glass receiving groove formed by the upright-post connected to the facade so that the glass receiving groove of the cill receives a second portion of said glass panel so that the ciii holds the glass panel.
14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein an open bore is formed in the protrusion and the assembly further includes a fixing plate comprising a plate having a rod extending orthogonally from a central portion, the fixing plate being configured in use to extend through the aperture of the ciii and through the opening of the bore so that the plate abuts the ciii around the outside of the aperture.
15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the bore terminates in an access cavity at a side portion of the upright-post, in use the access cavity providing access to the distal end of the rod for screwing a nut onto the rod to clamp the ciii to the upright post.
16. The assembly of claim 14 or 15, wherein a portion of an outer surface of the ciii around the outside of the aperture comprises a depression for receiving the plate to prevent the plate protruding from the cill.
17. The assembly of claim 13, further comprising an L-shape brace configured in use to be fixed in the glass receiving groove of the ciii and a glass receiving groove formed by the facade connected to the upright-post, and sandwiched between the glass panel in order to * 20 secure the ciii to the upright-post.
i8. The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the upright post is a load-bearing post of
19. The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the assembly is a direct glazing assembly.
20. The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the upright-post, the facade and the cill are manufactured from seasoned-oak wood.
21. The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein at least one glass receiving groove is additionally configured to receive a portion of a sub-frame for a door or an openable window, to hold said sub-frame.
22. The assembly of claim 21 further comprising a sub-frame for a door or an openable window, the sub-frame having a coupling portion configured in use to be received into the at least one glass receiving groove.
23. A wooden assembly for holding a sub-frame for a door or an openable window, the assembly comprising: a. a wooden upright-post comprising a facade coupling portion and a sub-frame coupling portion; and, b. a wooden facade comprising an upright-post coupling portion and a sub-frame coupling portion, the upright-post coupling portion and the facade coupling portion being arranged in use to abut against each other to couple the facade to the upright-post and cause the respective sub-frame coupling portions to form a sub-frame receiving groove extending along a portion of the length of the upright-post and the facade, the sub-frame receiving groove being configured to receive a portion of said sub-frame to hold said glass sub-frame.
24. The assembly of claim 23 further comprising a sub-frame for a door or an openable window, the sub-frame having a coupling portion configured in use to be received into the at least one glass receiving groove.
25. A wooden frame glass building comprising an assembly according to any preceding claim.
26. The wooden frame glass building according to claim 23, wherein the building comprises at least one assembly according to claim 11 and at least one assembly according to claim 12.
27. A wooden frame assembly for framing a glass panel, the assembly being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 3 to 12.
28. A wooden frame assembly for framing a sub-frame for a door or an openable window, the assembly being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 13 and 14.